HONG KONG 2010 trip

[teako170]

Just realized it was March and about a year away for this trip, hence an update...

http://kungfucinema.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6025

We have several members who had expressed serious interest in making this and I hope others can join in on the fun. Again, this is an open invite to ALL members - no matter where in the world you're coming from.

More updates to follow in the coming months....

[Tosh]

Prices on flights have probably went down here so we'll have to come up with a solid date at some point. I'll check with my friend about getting a hotel, I think his friend that lives there is in the hotel business, might be able to get a discount rate or at least figure out where's a good place to stay.

[teako170]

Sounds good Tosh. I'll get back to you on possible weeks very shortly.

[FrankBolte]

Hey,

just been to hk in february,spent some time with Bey logan..it was cool watching The tournament and having a live audio commentry from Bey..

anyway I will set up my hk trip for 2010 ath the same time when you guys come over so we can meet up...XD

I know a few martialartist/actors through my training..on my last trip i also met one of the guys that got killed by bolo in bloodsport...anyone remember the kung fu guy from bloodsport ? He is Dennis Chiu,he was pretty much ripped and did some hung gar stances...he is actually a hung gar master and has a bonesetting clinic in mongkok...his uncle is chiu chi ling...his father chiu wai older brother of ccl and in kung fu circles highly respected ...

[niro]

It would be kool to go, it is one of the places i would like to visit, and my old man says i should go travel Asia when i graduate, but money is very tight, especially these days, but still hopefully might be able to make it :)

[thehangman]

Sounds good i love to go to HK

[Tantheman]

Hey all,

I have been planning for a while to go to Hong Kong next year, around the time you have all mentioned. This could be great, it would be good to meet you all and put some faces to the names. FrankyLau, how did you get to meet Bey Logan? It would be very special if we could all meet him next year. . .

[teako170]

Sounds good guys. Hope you will join us.
Will be posting exact dates within the coming weeks....

[Li Ho]

What happens in 2010?Do the British get Hong Kong back?

[greenfan]

Im tempted. My girlfriend has family in Hong Kong, so I can definitely see a - two birds brutally beaten to death with one stone - type scenario.

I do, however, have a pretty nasty fear of flying. Maybe if I've had hypnosis or something by early next year, then I might join you guys.

[Tosh]

Im tempted. My girlfriend has family in Hong Kong, so I can definitely see a - two birds brutally beaten to death with one stone - type scenario.

I do, however, have a pretty nasty fear of flying. Maybe if I've had hypnosis or something by early next year, then I might join you guys.

Nothing a couple stiff drinks at the airport bar won't take care of:monkey14

[teako170]

Things are starting to gel people.

We are going to shoot for the week of January 24-30, 2010.

Been doing a lot of research on HK and, no surprise, the hotels are not the cheapest. One I found is 'The Salisbury YMCA' which is in the Kowloon area. Don't let the Village People name fool you; it looks pretty decent. One that Tosh found is 'The Cosmo' which is on HK Isle side. Both have possibilities. While everyone isn't going to stay at the same hotel, it would be good if we were all within the same general area.

A great website for reading reviews is http://www.tripadvisor.com (www.tripadvisor.com).
I've read about 100/125 reviews just on these two hotels alone. Some good advice.

Another site: http://www.hong-kong-hotels.ws
Gives you some ideas on places to see, tours available, etc.

While I won't booking my flight until summer, I do plan to get a room much earlier than that. Probably within the next few weeks actually. Hotels don't normally charge your credit card until check out and you can easily cancel/change dates without any penalties. Don't want to wait until the last minute and be stuck like Fu Sheng and his uncle ("When you're poor, you must struggle") by sleeping in those beehive cubicles. ;)

Still 10 months away. Plenty of time to scrounge up some extra cash. Hopefully you can come join us for this trip of a lifetime.....

[FrankBolte]

if I not stay in Fanling I always stay in Chungking mansions, a double room starts from 150 HK Dollar...many of the hostels already have free internet on their rooms etc...the rooms are very small though but clean and safe...
anyway,the building looks a bid dodgy..just watch chungking express hehe

anyway I always enjoy it there...just thought I post an alternative option which is probably much cheaper in comparison to the standart hotels...

FrankyLau, how did you get to meet Bey Logan? It would be very special if we could all meet him next year. . .

Bey once also studied Hung Gar under my sifu Mark Houghton..so we are kinda kung fu brothers...Im sure I can arrange a meeting with him...

[Tosh]

if I not stay in Fanling I always stay in Chungking mansions, a double room starts from 150 HK Dollar...many of the hostels already have free internet on their rooms etc...the rooms are very small though but clean and safe...
anyway,the building looks a bid dodgy..just watch chungking express hehe

anyway I always enjoy it there...just thought I post an alternative option which is probably much cheaper in comparison to the standart hotels...





20 USD sounds more like it, I just need a place to crash, I don't plan on sleeping much, that 12 hour time change makes it hard. Looked it up on the map and it's around the corner from the ymca.

So is Januray a busy time for HK? I know it's getting close to the Chinese New Year. I was in Shanghai for the first half of May holiday, it was nuts, I've never seen that many people in one place before.

Edit -

I just looked it up, it says 200-220 HKD, still only 25 USD, here's the link -

http://www.chungkinghouse.com/

Looks like a winner to me.

I see they give you a discount for staying more than 1 day, and more than 5.

[TibetanWhiteCrane]

Bey once also studied Hung Gar under my sifu Mark Houghton..so we are kinda kung fu brothers...Im sure I can arrange a meeting with him...

Im sure he's dying to meet up with the fansite folks who keeps trashing him and his efforts:D

[Chinatown Kid]

I'm gonna start trying to get things planned out this month as far as room reservations and making sure my passports still good, haven't used it since visiting Cancun, Mexico several years back.

I was wondering do I need a visa to visit HK or do I just need a passport like when I visited Mexico?

[FrankBolte]

Im sure he's dying to meet up with the fansite folks who keeps trashing him and his efforts:D


well he is a fan himself and also one of the friendliest guys u could meet..
but yeah I noticed that some guys here trash him and that goes beyond my comprehension.. i dont think that I would introduce guys like this to him...on the other hand Bey could talk some senses into them hehe..


Edit -

I just looked it up, it says 200-220 HKD, still only 25 USD, here's the link -

http://www.chungkinghouse.com/

my friend,this is just one guesthouse in the chungking mansions...itjust uses the name chungking..chungking mansions is a big building with 18 floors and 6 blocks,the whole building is full with guesthouses....chungkinghouse is one of them...just recently in march I stayed in osaka house 13th floor block c,price for a double room with internet for meandmy wife was 180 HKdollar...;)

I was wondering do I need a visa to visit HK or do I just need a passport like when I visited Mexico?


If you are US citizen U dont need visa,u atomatically get a 3 months visa when you enter HK,this also goes for most europan countries as well as for the UK

[Chinatown Kid]

If you are US citizen U dont need visa,u atomatically get a 3 months visa when you enter HK,this also goes for most europan countries as well as for the UK

Cool, thanks for the info Franky.

[Monica Haynes]

I was dusting some shelves and found a book in Linn's collection by Bey. Cool!

[KUNG FU BOB]

Hey Monica, you should read it. That's one of my favorite books on Hong Kong cinema. It's kind of like a starter course though, and I told Bey that I wish it was ten times as many pages! :D

[Monica Haynes]

Bob I will try to do that! Hey did you get my email earlier this week?

[KUNG FU BOB]

Bob I will try to do that! Hey did you get my email earlier this week?

Yes, I just responded to it about 5 minutes ago! LOL Sorry for the delay in responding, it's been a crazy few weeks. My little cousin just passed away, and I had to rush my lady to the hospital the other day. We may be going on a trip to Hong Kong soon... but her gall bladder won't! Thankfully, she's doing okay now. It's good to find solace from these troubling times rapping with you guys and gals on the board.

[Monica Haynes]

OMG...I am so sorry about your nephew. And thankful your lady is fine, we didn't want the gall bladder with us anyway-they tend to cause trouble! Hope she continues to get better.

[teako170]

Booking my hotel at The Cosmo in a week or so.

Plus - found a nice non-stop (both ways) Newark to HK for just under $1000.
I'll probably lock that in soon as well to get that rate.

[HAZ]

A friend of mine visiting HK told me that Chungking House has cockroaches!

[teako170]

A friend of mine visiting HK told me that Chungking House has cockroaches!

Room AND board? Nice....!

[HAZ]

Its too bad that the Bruce Lee love hotel charges by the hour.

http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/business/bruce-lees-old-home-thats-now-a-love-hotel-under-threat-of-reconstruction_10089730.html

[teako170]

Its too bad that the Bruce Lee love hotel charges by the hour.

http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/business/bruce-lees-old-home-thats-now-a-love-hotel-under-threat-of-reconstruction_10089730.html

Finally got a green light, over the winter, for converting it into a museum.
I just hope that it will be complete by next Jan. for our trip.

[jrcma]

I wish i could but sorry I'm out of this.

[Jesse Smooth]

Looks like I may be staying here. I'll make my plans in the summer. Doesn't look bad at all.

http://www.asiatravel.net/hongkong/ramadahongkong/room.html

[Winfred]

May I recommend Citiview which is the refurbished YMCA in Waterloo Road, Kowloon. MRT is 3 minutes away.

[Monica Haynes]

Jesse,
That hotel looks fabulous.

[Jesse Smooth]

Jesse,
That hotel looks fabulous.

I just couldn't do the roach motel thing.

My dad and I were looking for "Westernized" hotels that wouldn't cost a fortune. The prices for May and June aren't bad. Hopefully, they'll be around that range when the time comes. XD

[Monica Haynes]

Understood totally. Hope the rates end up being good too.

[teako170]

The prices for May and June aren't bad. Hopefully, they'll be around that range when the time comes. XD

I've been in contact w/ Ruby Liu (Reservations Manager.) She quoted me a price of HK$ 600 per night (plus 10% service charge) for a Standard Room. For six nights, this winds up at $510. Much better deal than the $778 I'm paying now at the Cosmo. Thinking about switching to the Ramada. Here's their official site in English.......

http://www.ramadahongkong.com/hk/eng/homepage.html

[Jesse Smooth]

I've been in contact w/ Ruby Liu (Reservations Manager.) She quoted me a price of HK$ 600 per night (plus 10% service charge) for a Standard Room. For six nights, this winds up at $510. Much better deal than the $778 I'm paying now at the Cosmo. Thinking about switching to the Ramada. Here's their official site in English.......

http://www.ramadahongkong.com/hk/eng/homepage.html

That's not bad at all! I'll make my plans within the next month. Although we'll be keeping busy, part of the experience would be staying at a good hotel.

Though there are the local cats who may as well be good. :p

[Jesse Smooth]

I also want to clarify that HK is a day ahead of us due to the international time zone. So we are planning on arriving there on Jan 24? So we would leave on Jan 23, right?

[teako170]

I also want to clarify that HK is a day ahead of us due to the international time zone. So we are planning on arriving there on Jan 24? So we would leave on Jan 23, right?

Yes. My flight leaves Sat AM and arrives Sun PM.

[Jesse Smooth]

Yes. My flight leaves Sat AM and arrives Sun PM.

That's what I need to know. Thanks

[bolofan]

I wish I had read this thread earlier in the year then I would have started saving etc.
Really doubt I would make this one.
But, if this goes well and a repeat trip is in the pipeline for the following year, then I am on board.

[Jesse Smooth]

Got the hotel room saved and put in for my passport today.

[thekfc]

I am seriously considering joining you guys.

I have to clear some things at work first & have to wait until my boss comes back next month.
The departure date is the 23rd (for us in the US) but when is the the departure date from HK (the 30th?).
The Ramada Hong Kong looks good.

I just checked my passport & it is still valid- until 2011.
Let me start looking into flights.

Now I have to stop spending money & save up.

[teako170]

Sounds good thekfc. I'll be catching a nonstop out of Newark on the 23rd and leaving HK on the 30th. However, its really up to the individual on how many days they plan to spend in HK.

And for those who are still on the fence and thinking maybe they'll join in the following year .... There's always the possibility of going again [ some years down the road ] but at this point there's certainly no plans for that. Hope you can join us this January.

[thekfc]

The Ramada HK was one of the few hotels I saw that looks good & had a great price, so I was trying for it

I called them & a lady told me that they do not have the rates for next year yet, to send them and email - which I did.

teako, Jesse or anyone else, have you guys already booked your hotel yet?

I also say the Ramada Kowloon had a rate of $67/night & for 8 night it would be $536.72, so I took it as a standby if I cannot get the Ramada HK.

http://www.ramadahongkong.com/kln/eng/homepage.html

The only difference I saw between the 2 were the Ramada HK had a Exercise room & satellite TV which the Kowloon one didn't.

The only other hot I was looking at was the Eaton - a couple of customers who visited the company I worked for usually visit HK & they recommended The Eaton to me. but is it a little bit pricier - $83/night

Now I have to look for flights out of the NYC area.

[teako170]

teako, Jesse or anyone else, have you guys already booked your hotel yet?

I booked at the Ramada last month. I believe Jesse is as well (or was in the process).

[thekfc]

I booked at the Ramada last month. I believe Jesse is as well (or was in the process).

Which one? Hong Kong or Kowloon?
Since it is my first trip to HK - I want to get some ideas as to where everyone is staying so I don't have to venture
to far from everyone else.

[Jesse Smooth]

Which one? Hong Kong or Kowloon?
Since it is my first trip to HK - I want to get some ideas as to where everyone is staying so I don't have to venture
to far from everyone else.

I did as well. The one in HK.

[thekfc]

Ruby Liu just got back to me
One room booked for the Ramada HK.
I will be there 2 days before you guys - arriving on the 22 & leaving on the 30th

[teako170]

Ruby Liu just got back to me
One room booked for the Ramada HK.
I will be there 2 days before you guys - arriving on the 22 & leaving on the 30th

Sounds good. Looking forward to meeting you.

Now, who else will join in on the fun...?

[Jesse Smooth]

Ruby Liu just got back to me
One room booked for the Ramada HK.
I will be there 2 days before you guys - arriving on the 22 & leaving on the 30th

It's on!

[Monica Haynes]

K...I have emailed the motel 4 times and they have yet to get back to me...someone help me out here....

[thekfc]

Hi Monica,
I emailed them with my regular email & I also did an online reservation with them.

They replied to my online reservation, not to my emails. I had different info in both & the one in the online res. was what they had for me.
They got back to me in less than 24 hours

Here is the link
http://www.ramadahongkong.com/hk/eng/reservation.php


They also gave me a quote of HK$3850 for 7 days. - which is $496 USD at present exchange rate.

Try the online reservation - you don't need to give your flight number - just the info with an the asterisk*.

[Monica Haynes]

Hey I did the online reservation yesterday as well...nothing...Ugh

[Monica Haynes]

They got in touch with me today!!! YAY...I made the reservation.

[Jesse Smooth]

I got my passport in the mail, yesterday!!!!! XD

[teako170]

Plan to book my flight in the next week or two.
Price recently jumped $40 so I want to lock it in before it continues to rise.

Also, got a better deal with Ramada.
Filled out their Commercial Account ap and got a slightly lower rate.

[teako170]

Monica and Teako are Hong Kong bound!
Flights ... booked ... today !!

:bigsmile:

How is everyone else coming along with their plans?
See you all in 4 months.......

[Chia Ling AKA Judy Lee]

This looks sweet. I'd love to join you but alas it isn't possible this time. I hope you have a great time!

[KUNG FU BOB]

Ah, I'm happy for you two, but so bummed we can't make it.

Anybody else still going for sure?

[magicpoe]

We're still in.

[KUNG FU BOB]

Right on! Glad some more people are going to be living the dream.

[Monica Haynes]

YAY! YAY! YAY! going to Hong Kong....La La La!

[thekfc]

I am still on board.......nothing changes.
I have been watching ticket prices - hopefully I should be buying my tickets within the month or so.

[teako170]

Looks like we got seven confirmed thus far. Hope a few more might still consider joining in on the fun. Again, this is an open invitation to anyone on the forum.

Great opportunity to hang with Big Mike Leeder and Bey Logan, visit Mark Houghton and The Lau Family Hung Gar Kung Fu School, see the Shaw Studios, visit the graves of Chang Cheh, Fu Sheng, and Lo Lieh to pay our respects, see Bruce Lee's old home, plus tons of sightseeing and much, much more....

[StarDreamCan]

This sounds like such an awesome trip. I wont be able to make it but heres hoping for lots of pictures, some reports? and good golly, a video?!

[teako170]

This sounds like such an awesome trip. I wont be able to make it but heres hoping for lots of pictures, some reports? and good golly, a video?!

You can count on it. I plan to take a truckload of photos (on my recent trip to CA, I took over 500 pix). I thought about taking some video but presently don't own a camera and I don't want to buy some cheap-o crap just for this trip. Would love to rent a nice HDcam - but I'm on the fence. I do plan to either do a daily "blog" from HK or, if I don't have EZ net access, create a day-by-day summary of our adventures on my return and post here.

Whatever happens, I (along w/ the others) will have plenty of pix and tales to post.

[greenfan]

I may be able to come. There's a strong chance it will co-incide with another trip I should be making to Asia. I would love to check out any Shaw Brothers related sites.

[Tosh]

I had a very bad year since I came up with this idea, things are looking up so I'm not going to say die yet but I'm very uncertian at the moment, I'll have to see where I'm at in a couple months.

[Jesse Smooth]

Between now and then, I'll be working many extra hours, but you can still count on me for the moment. :bigsmile:

[Monica Haynes]

Jesse...love the signature. Where did you get that?

[AlbertV]

Man, it has been a dream for a long time to go to Hong Kong...wish I could go but right now got some financial stumps and well, I may as well announce it...got another little kung fu fighter coming to this world around Jan 24-30 :D

But someday...I will go to Hong Kong...no matter what it takes!!! :D

Hope everyone who is going have an awesome time!!!!

[MarsHarmony]

:yociexp53::yociexpress09::yociexp76:

[magicpoe]

We will be at the Ramada with teako170, monica, and jesse smooth.

[Jesse Smooth]

We will be at the Ramada with teako170, monica, and jesse smooth.

Yes!!!!! :wink:

[MrSuzuki]

Sounds really cool. I'll definitely be there with my good friends Ric Meyers and Harvey Weinstein. We'll all meet there and have a great time, guys!

[magicpoe]

They can buy the first round of drinks

[Monk Sante]

Whats on the agenda once in Hong Kong? I'm so damn tempted in joining you guys!:smile:

[teako170]

For those members who are planning to go to Hong Kong....
please contact me direct so we can discuss tentative plans to meet up and possible activities.

Thanks, T

[thekfc]

I will not be able to join u guys /gals this time. :sad:

My work schedule & changes in management have "force" me & a few others to change our vacation plans.

I can still take vacation at my original dates but I do not want to be on the "bad" side of the new management & leaving when they need me the most - I am one of the 2 most senior / seasoned employee & they are leaning to us for "guidance".

I am pushing back my vacation but I will still be going to HK but at a later date.
I canceled my hotel reservations yesterday and my flight when I do come later in the winter or spring - my company will pay for it - so it is not a total loss.

[teako170]

I will not be able to join u guys /gals this time. :sad:.

Sorry to hear, thekfc. Hope you get over there eventually.

Hong Kong came to me today as my bank delivered to me some of the local currency.
Colorful currency they have!

Have various activities planned but if anyone has suggestions of places to visit / things to see --
would love to hear them and maybe get the chance to snap some pix for you.

Clock is ticking .... 10 days left.

[Tosh]

You guys have a great time in the HK, sorry I couldn't make it, it was just a bad year last year, I'll have to live vicariously through you, Gonbay!

[Bus]

was wantin to go think i'm booked for a show in lexington ky

[teako170]

You guys have a great time in the HK, sorry I couldn't make it, it was just a bad year last year, I'll have to live vicariously through you, Gonbay!

You will certainly be with us in spirit brother.

It was Tosh who suggested this trip initially and --
I want to thank him for that as this trip would never have happened otherwise.

And hey, never too soon to start discussion of the next gathering.
Maybe something a little closer to home in which more folks can join in.

[Bus]

any other plans to meet up some place this year? know some people were talkin about dragon con or something

[MarsHarmony]

Or as Bugs Bunny would say, "Bon voyageee".
Have a safe journey, watch out for each other, eat lots of the great food.
Takes lots of pictures.
And if anyone sees anything Fu Sheng related, poster, 8x10 etc., and can pop for it, I'll buy it!

[AlbertV]

Hope you guys have a wonderful trip!!!

[skipsweet]

hope you all have damned good time :wink:

looking forward to seeing some pix.

[lucky b*@#+$s!!!! he he he!]

[magicpoe]

Just a quick synopsis of what's going on so far:

Monday met with Big Mike Leeder for discussion about Hong Kong film industry. Nice guy. We appreciated him taking time out of his day to meet with us.
Visited Fu Sheng's burial place. We have video and photo that will be posted.

Tuesday we will visit Chang Cheh's burial place and some Bruce Lee spots. Later in the day meet with Bey Logan.

Terry arrived on Sunday night as did Monica and my wife and I arrived on Saturday night. Jesse might have arrived last night, haven't seen him yet this morning.

[MarsHarmony]

Visited Fu Sheng's burial place. We have video and photo that will be posted.
Tuesday we will visit Chang Cheh's burial place and some Bruce Lee spots. Later in the day meet with Bey Logan.

Thanks you guys, will weep long and loud but looking forward to seeing them. Stay safe.

[WuxiaFan]

Later in the day meet with Bey Logan.

Let us know what the latest news is...
:yociexp98:

[magicpoe]

Made it back last night. I'll need a day to get my photos and video together and then I'll post. Did meet Bey Logan. Had a nice talk with him. He's working on a movie and will release a book soon about his life in kung fu cinema. Glad he was able to take time out of his schedule to meet us. Nice guy.

[KUNG FU BOB]

Oh man! I'm so happy for everyone that got to go. Can't wait to hear more about it and see some photos! :bigsmile:

[gorhama]

Glad to hear you guys had a great time and I look forward to seeing the pictures and more stories!!

[magicpoe]

Pk4sBkghKYY

[KUNG FU BOB]

Magicpoe- thank you for that glimpse into what we all missed. I was mesmerized as I watched. Very cool indeed. :nerd:

[magicpoe]

I'll do something similar for Chang Cheh tomorrow. Glad you enjoyed it. Tomorrow I'll also post some thoughts about the trip in general and a rundown of other thing we did.

[KUNG FU BOB]

I'll do something similar for Chang Cheh tomorrow. Glad you enjoyed it. Tomorrow I'll also post some thoughts about the trip in general and a rundown of other thing we did.

Can't wait to see and read more. Thanks brother. Was it everything you guys hoped it would be?

[MarsHarmony]

Thank you so much for making this video, it turned out very well, and the photo at the end is very good, all good quality. It is a very lovely spot. Glad everyone made it home safely too.
Thanks

[Alexandra]

Thank you. I really felt that I was there with your camera shot. I have not words. Is very touching. Can't stop crying. I never conceal my feelings. I posted in YouTube a latin prayer. It came from my heart. Thank you.
Alexandra

[BORNINHK]

I know that place in Fanling by name, but I have never been there before. But my mum has been there. I'm original from a village which is not too far away from Sheung Shui(that's only 1 station from Fanling). So next time I will visit there.

[magicpoe]

Unfortunately I discovered this morning that the majority of the footage I shot at Chang Cheh's burial site is damaged and unusable. What I do have I've posted below along with some closeup pictures. Teako170 and JesseSmooth took video also and I'm sure they will post it.

3T0KLLacfNc

Fu Sheng site is really easy to find like BORNINHK said. You get on the MTR (HONG KONG train system) and get off at Fanling. The shrine is directly across the street from the MTR station at Fanling.

[KUNG FU BOB]

Again Magicpoe, thank you! Sorry to hear that some of your footage is damaged, but I know the other guys will definitely send you there tapes to fill in what you're missing.

[The Dragon]

Very nice, well done. You all had a wonderful experience that many of us could not and we all appreciate you sharing with us. Thank you...

[KUNG FU BOB]

Very nice, well done. You all had a wonderful experience that many of us could not and we all appreciate you sharing with us. Thank you...

Yo Dragon, you could have been there if not for your BluRay addiction! LOL:tongue:

I just noticed we're neck and neck posts-wise. :smile:

Maybe next year the two of us will be along on some great trip with these other cats...

[teako170]

Ouch. Sorry about the video snafu, Brian. Monica is going to send me her footage and I'll edit it and post to YT. And glad to hear you and your wife made it back home safely. I just rolled in about an hour ago. Left 75* sunny (yes - the sun came out finally) Hong Kong for 20* snowy Jersey. Yup, nothing like driving in a snowstorm after a 16 hour flight.

Anywho... plenty of tales and pix to come (I only shot 960 photos). I started writing up our adventures on the plane but the battery was dying so it will be forthcoming this week. But for now, I got to get some sleep folks. Been up for 30+ hours so its been an exhausting day of travel. Below, a few pix to whet your appetite until I can get to my larger post.


Shaw Studios
http://www.teako170.com/hk1.jpg

Sir Run Run @ the Avenue of Stars (Kowloon)
http://www.teako170.com/hk2.jpg

Jesse practicing w/ Bey Logan and his Sifu (Star Ferry Pier 7/ HK Isle)
http://www.teako170.com/hk3.jpg

Monica paying homage to the late Chang Cheh
http://www.teako170.com/hk4.jpg

[BORNINHK]

Rectification: the station of Fanling is served by the KCRC and not the MTR. Because the MTR has to do with the tube/underground/subway.

[Mike Leeder]

Actually the MTR took over the KCR network last year, you'd ben able to use stored value/Octopus cards on both networks for years, but its now one solid network...

Initially a little bit of confusion as certain stations underwent slight changes, Mongkok MTR station remained the same, while Mongkok KCR station is now Mongkok East

Still one of the cheapest and easiest transportation systems in the world to use

[Tosh]

Glad to hear everyone made it home safely, I'm sure it was a trip that will change your lives forever, can't wait to hear/see what went on.

Teako I bet that 20 degrees felt more like -20:wink:

Brian you have one hell of a steady hand on that cam, my footage looks like I'm running up the beach dodging bullets alongside Tom Hanks:xd:
Very cool you got flowers and left pictures of them, a show of great respect.

[Jesse Smooth]

I got in late last night. I will have to do some minor video editing to see what i have and will upload my photos. I don't think I took any of us at IFD Films,but I think Monica has that on video. BTW, thats in an industrial warehouse that does fish packing and other junk. IFD is on the 3rd Floor. Nothing like Shaw Studios. Ironically, the lady gave me a business card and they appear to have another address.

[AlbertV]

Glad to hear you guys had a great time :) Now I know where to go if and when I get the chance to go to Hong Kong :D

[KyFi]

Thanks for the cool video and photos, guys---I hope you post more, and glad you had a nice time and safe journeys!

[gfanikf]

Glad to hear you guys had a great time :) Now I know where to go if and when I get the chance to go to Hong Kong :D

Ditto!! :)

[KUNG FU BOB]

Anywho... plenty of tales and pix to come (I only shot 960 photos). Below, a few pix to whet your appetite until I can get to my larger post.

Teako- those pictures are out of sight! Awesome. :bigsmile:

[Poelie]

It all sounds great! I'm a bit jealous but do post your pictures

[Monica Haynes]

I am the last of the group to make it back to my humble abode. The trip was AWESOME! I do have video of IFD Jesse...will upload during the week. Also have video of Jesse doing some tiger-crane kung fu!

Thank you to Big Mike and Bey for meeting with us while we were over there. I have to say that Shaw Brothers studios was the ultimate for me and we left a picture of Linn there too!

[Jesse Smooth]

Flying standby caused me to miss out on meeting Mike and Fu Sheng's burial site.:sad: Other than that, the trip was awesome. Will go through the video and photos this week.

[KUNG FU BOB]

I am the last of the group to make it back to my humble abode. The trip was AWESOME! I do have video of IFD Jesse...will upload during the week. Also have video of Jesse doing some tiger-crane kung fu!

Thank you to Big Mike and Bey for meeting with us while we were over there. I have to say that Shaw Brothers studios was the ultimate for me and we left a picture of Linn there too!

Glad you all got home okay! I'm so happy for you guys that you had a cool trip.

Mon, the photo of you in front of Chang Cheh's memorial was very touching.

[teako170]

If you ever get the chance to visit HK, I suggest you forget the notion it’s a former British colony in which everyone speaks (some) English. If they do, they’re certainly not letting on to us Marco Polo types. It’s a good idea to have everything written in Chinese and even then it sometimes does you no good. In any event, herein lies our tale of adventure: the good, the bad and the ugly….


DAY ZERO

The nonstop flight from Newark to HK was about 16 hours. Flying coach is not the best way to go but it certainly could have been worse. Monica and I flew on Continental which might be one of the better carriers. Each seat had its own built in TV which provided us with a few hundred free movies, TV shows and more. Ashes of Time Redux, CTHD, Curse of the Golden Flower, Three Kingdoms and An Empress & the Warriors were just some of the selections.

We landed in HK around 8PM and found navigating the airport with relative ease despite the long line at the Immigration section. We opted for the easy way to the hotel with shuttle bus provided and got our first views of the city as we went from Lantau Isle to HK Island. We immediately realized this was no Chinatown as the landscape was squeezed for all its potential with high-rise buildings that dominated the skyline.

The bus ride took an hour plus as we had to make multiple pit stops for other travelers. Arriving at the HK Ramada near 11PM, we were both physically exhausted. I didn’t sleep on the plane and was glad to finally get to our destination. Had a nice suite on the 22nd floor overlooking the harbor and as I looked out over the city, I wondered what the next days would bring….

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Our flight to HK in progress ..................... Some street derelict at HK Ramada ..................... View from the 22nd floor


DAY ONE

Today was Monday and we met up with Brian, his wife and Big Mike Leeder in the lobby. Mike led the way as we meandered through the cluttered streets of Kennedy Town. While our hotel was rather Westernized, we were surely not in a touristy area of HK. Des Vouex Road was also known as Dried Seafood Street and is littered with countless stores peddling the same dried fish products. The smells were quite potent (and not in a good way). Asking Big Mike how much further, he responded "...just five more minutes." Needless to say time stands still on Dried Seafood Street because it seemed to go on forever.

We arrived at a small coffee shop and Big Mike took charge of the conversation giving us the "all you wanted to know about the HK film scene but was afraid to ask." Mike had some great tales of his last 20 years in HK and it was rather surreal listening to him talk about Sammo and Hwang Jang Lee as regular guys whereas we see them as something more. One of the funny tales he spoke of was a conversation with Jackie Chan in which Mike mentioned HJL’s name and Jackie was like "...you know him? He busted my teeth 25 years ago. Get him on the phone" in which Mike then proceeded to do so.

Mike was a library of info and frowned on all the misinformation out there due to a variety of things from name changes to people making things up because they don’t do proper research, etc. He mentioned how too many people claim rights to movies which they don’t have and that there’s vaults of unused footage and interviews waiting to be seen. The problem, he said, is that HK has never appreciated their own product and when companies put out these films, they don’t put any effort into knowing what they have and what other possibilities are available (extras, interviews, etc.).

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Hanging w/ Big Mike Leeder ...................... Streets of Kennedy Town, HK Isle ................ Monica taking notes on the MTR

Mike stayed with us for a few hours but then had to move on to a meeting, so we began our adventures. Our first stop was in Fanling in the New Territories. The MTR is great for getting around but since we were new to the city, we (or I should say I) learned the hard way about using the Octopus card. What happened was I scanned my card and entered the turnstile before the group yelled to me that I was getting onto the Airport line. I attempted to exit and when the turnstile wouldn’t let me back out, I just jumped over it – to the shock/laughter of a Chinese woman watching. You see, the Octopus card has to be scanned twice. Once to enter and once to exit. When you exit, it deducts the proper amount from the card depending on how far you traveled.

When we went downstairs to enter the correct train line, my card was now void (since I didn’t exit properly it still registered that I was inside the train system). Long story short .. my $100HK was completely erased and I had to purchase more funds (ugh!!)

So off to Fanling we go and after a few train line changes, we arrived at our stop. Monica had the pleasure of witnessing her first traditional Chinese bathroom (a hole in the ground) at the MTR stop. While some places do have toilets, it’s good to always bring toilet paper with you wherever you might travel. After a quick lunch at a shop which had all sorts of hanging cooked ducks in the window (heads still attached), we exited the station and proceeded to Fung Ying Seen Koon temple. As magicpoe mentioned, FYSK is right outside the station and hard to miss. A fairly large temple with multiple levels and buildings, it was a chilling moment when we came across Fu Sheng’s final resting place.

For those of you near HK or planning a trip there, here is the following directions on how to get there:

Fung Ying Seen Koon Temple
66, Pak Wo Road
Fanling, New Territories, HK
852-2669-9186
852-2669-8777 (fax)
www.fysk.org
info@fysk.org

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Fung Ying Seen Koon Temple ...................... Alexander the Great Fu Sheng ................. Wing Fuk Hall (note incinerator on right)

As mentioned the temple is easy to find once you exit the station. You have to go under the street via a tunnel and its right there. I’ve scanned the map from the brochure (http://www.teako170.com/hk14.jpg) we took. Fu Sheng’s ashes are housed at C6 - Wing Fuk Hall, which is towards the back of the FYSK. His photo is much larger (takes up four spots) and is easy to spot.

Back on the train we go and head towards to the Tseung Kwan O station to pay our respects to Chang Cheh. Not sure what it is but the folks on the MTR are constantly in a rush. Rushing to and from trains like it was a race. Plus, they don’t let people exit from the train before boarding. Its like every man/woman/child for themselves. At 6 feet, I towered over most but that didn’t matter. Heck, I got nearly knocked over by a 80-year-old granny!

When we got to the TKO station we ran into another headache. I forgot to bring the name of CC’s cemetery (in Chinese!) After 15 minutes of getting nowhere at the MTR service desk, we finally gave up and decided to call it a day. Jet lag was sinking in and without proper food, I was getting a bit irritable (sorry guys) so we headed back to our hotel. That evening, Monica and I went over to the Wan Chai area (much more upscale than where our hotel is) and had dinner at Outback. The cabbie didn’t know where he was going and had to ask directions (wtf?) and when we got there, we still didn’t find it and had to ask directions ourselves. Apparently, everything in HK is up. I know people might wonder why not check out the local fare instead of a steakhouse but after eating greasy duck for lunch (with some rather hard portions mixed in), I’m thinking I'll play it safe from here on out.

I'll continue with the second part of this three-part post tomorrow....

[Asmo]

Thanks for that, Teako. Loving part 1 so far.

[MarsHarmony]

Teako, reading your "journal" has made this a virtual experience. Thank you for the directions, and the map and the images. They are fantastic. Thanks for going to the Temple, it is a beautiful place, and your good words of Fu Sheng. CC's seems much larger, I mean the facility.
Looking forward to reading more.

To Monica Haynes " I have to say that Shaw Brothers studios was the ultimate for me and we left a picture of Linn there too!"
That is a wonderful and beautiful thing, I am so happy you were able to go and do that.

[TibetanWhiteCrane]

Great read, and nice pics, Teak!

[Bus]

glad ya'll had fun. appreciate the pic and wish i could have gone

[venomsfreak]

Glad everyone got home safely. Teako I'm really enjoying your journal, can't wait for part 2.

[KUNG FU BOB]

Yeah T, your report is great. I'm looking forward to reading more.

How are you feeling? Have you recovered from any jet lag and time zone change weirdness?

[TibetanWhiteCrane]

Bey talks about your visit on his AnD blog....

http://www.alivenotdead.com/beylogan/blog.html

[KUNG FU BOB]

Bey talks about your visit on his AnD blog....

http://www.alivenotdead.com/beylogan/blog.html

Ah, Bey is such a nice guy. Loved what he said about Linn, and getting Gordon (another super nice chap) to sign his autograph for Monica. :wink:He comes through for the fans once again!

[Jesse Smooth]

Ah, Bey is such a nice guy. Loved what he said about Linn, and getting Gordon (another super nice chap) to sign his autograph for Monica. :wink:He comes through for the fans once again!

Bey is awesome. I have to upload me doing the Hung Gar forms with him and his Sifu. Granted, I botched them up very badly, (and trust me, it is one heck of a workout just doing the forms) but it was cool of him to invite us to practice with him. When I have the time, I would love to train in a kung fu style. Problem is, there is a lot of bad kung fu and tai chi out there (as well as bad karate and taekwondo these days).

[teako170]

DAY TWO

Tuesday, Jan 26. Jesse had flown in the previous night and we ran into him at the hotel buffet breakfast - which we wound up eating every morning. (Good to have a belly full of decent food before heading out.) This time we were a little more settled as we started to get acclimated to our surroundings. I had CC’s cemetery name in Chinese but unfortunately Google pointed me to the wrong location. Thinking yesterday’s location was incorrect, I logged onto the net Monday evening and it showed me a site in Chai Wan (opposite end of HK Isle where we were staying). We took the MTR and grabbed a taxi to the site but as we learned yesterday, nothing in HK is simple ..... wrong cemetery! (Thanks Google maps!!) I tired to get a taxi to take us to the site where we were yesterday but all the cabbie kept saying was, "Kowloon side. This Hong Kong side." Our exchange turned into a clip right out of an Abbott & Costello film in which I kept pointing at the map and making a steering wheel motion. "You (pointing at him) drive (steering wheel motion) us (pointing at us) here (pointing at map). And him repeating back : "Kowloon side. This Hong Kong side." Glad the folks in the back seat were having a good laugh.

Anyhow, after hitting KFC for lunch (hmm, was that really chicken we just ate?) we got back on the train and cabbed it to the site. Cabs are great way to get around btw. They’re quite cheap and everywhere you look. Anyhow, the cabbie drove up several steep hills to the entrance of the cemetery and dropped us off but the main office was nowhere to be found (big surprise there). So off we went, hoofing it for another 20 minutes - up even more hills - to the office. But man-oh-man, what a spectacular view! Right off Junk Bay, the Tseung Kwan O Chinese Permanent Cemetery was hauntingly beautiful. The main office building was rather large and easy to find but once we got there - more problems (yeeeah!!) The office personnel told us that the Chinese name for Chang Cheh was incorrect. Maybe we were missing a character, I dunno. "Foiled once again," I thought to myself as three or four men conversed in Cantonese looking over the computers for what seemed a year and a day.

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Monica overlooking Junk Bay .............................. Chang Cheh / Rest In Peace ........................ Tseung Kwan O

Finally, one of them asked us to follow him and we got on an elevator to the ground floor. Exiting, we rounded a corner and there he was – Chang Cheh! I don’t know about the others but it was a feeling of euphoria - sort of a quest for the Holy Grail - when we finally saw CC’s photo amongst the others. It was beginning to look like this part of the trip would not come to fruition but alas there he was.

Notice the flowers next to his picture? Those were left there by Ti Lung. According to a worker we met, Ti visits every few months and leaves flowers. I’m hoping the photos we left behind are still there the next time he visits. (I'll upload those pix tomorrow).

For those looking to pay their respects:

Tseung Kwan O Chinese Permanent Cemetery
Tseung Kwan O Columbarium
Ground Floor, North Wing
Room #11 - Plot #0024
Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong

Take the MTR Tseung Kwan O Line and get off at Yau Tong station (Kwun Tong district). From there, best bet is to get a cab for the uphill drive. When you reach the Columbarium (again, its quite large and on the right side of the road) you enter the main lobby. Office is to the right and elevators to the left. Take the elevator to the ground floor (I believe the main entrance is actually on the third floor). Upon exiting the elevator, turn to your left. Room #11 is only several feet away - on the left. Upon entering the room, CC’s photo is on the left side.

We spent about 45 minutes there and then we were off to our next destination .... Shaw Brothers Studio!

Of course, despite having the name (and address!) in Chinese the cab driver was still confused where we were going. We were at a red light on Clear Water Bay Road wondering which direction to proceed when Brian spotted the famous sign out the corner of his eye. We exited quickly and began to snap our photos. Brian did his best to convince the staff to let us in but it was a no go. This site hit Monica the hardest as it was a fantasy of Linn’s to visit the studio and here she was living the dream for him. She had brought a vial of ashes containing some of Linn’s belongings and dumped them on the hallowed ground. She also brought a photo of Linn which we left behind at the scene. We might not have been able to enter the gates but Linn will forever be at Shaw.

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Hanging with Bey Logan ......................... Shaw Studio @ Clear Water Bay .................... Linn Haynes RIP

After Shaws we returned to our hotel to prepare for our next meeting - Bey Logan. Once again, despite having the name and address in Chinese, the cabbie had to ask directions though this time it was a hard spot to find. The Cafe Lavande, a tiny cafe in the Central district, was nestled on a hill where cars could not venture. Bey arrived at the cafe shortly after us and it was like meeting an old friend. He was charming and affable and very pleased to meet us. He spoke of his adventures in HK and those he had worked with over the years. Bey attempted to have Lau Kar Leung come join the party but unfortunately Master Lau was hospitalized with pneumonia. We all hope for a swift and strong recovery.

I brought along a CD of 400+ scanned Southern Screen photos and a copy of HKMN as gifts for the Laus. Immediately, Bey whipped out his phone and called Lau Kar Fei - who happen to live just around the corner! Again, fate was not on our side as Gordon was over in China working but there was still a chance to meet him by week’s end (fingers crossed!) Bey had also brought along some gifts (a huge box of Dragon Dynasty discs) which he handed out and autographed for us. Again, a terrific guy who made some time for us despite his chaotic workload.

DAY THREE

Wednesday, Jan 27. Today was a tourist day. A few us hopped the tram car outside our hotel and ventured further into HK Isle. The tram car was quite a bargain (only 25 cents) and covers the entire island. We mingled amongst the locals at some shops and grabbed a quick bite of lunch before heading back to the Ramada.

Our tour bus picked us up at the hotel around 1PM and we proceeded to Lantau Island where we were dropped off at the Ngong Ping Cable Car lift. This cable car ride is several miles in length and gave us a 360° panoramic view of Lantau Island including Tian Tan Big Buddha, the flora and fauna of North Lantau Country Park, Tung Chung Bay and the Hong Kong International Airport.

Once we arrived the cloud cover, which seemed to have enveloped HK the majority of the time we were there, dispersed to give us some short breaks of sunshine. The first thing we noticed in the distance is the huge Buddha looming over the horizon. Our first stop though was the Ngong Ping Tea House where they gave us a demonstration on the ancient tradition of tea serving.

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Monica & Big Buddha / Lantau Isle ............................ Ngong Ping Cable Car .......................... At the base of the Big Buddah

Next up was the Po Lin Monastery. A huge cauldron of burning incense filled the air as we broke from our tour guide and explored the decorative monastery. About an hour later, we took the bus up to the giant bronze statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha. A most impressive site in photos, this Big Buddha is 10 stories high and made up of 202 individual pieces of bronze. Johnny, our guide, told us while most Buddhas face south, this one faces north (towards Beijing) as a symbolic gesture to the mainland as it was China who helped finance the building of the statue. Japan had offered funds to finance the project but the HK govt. refused their aid.

Tai O Fishing Village was our next stop. Known as the "Venice of the East" it was once the largest inhabited settlement on Lantau Island. The village's stilt houses on the waterfront offer a glimpse into HK's past but as the economy of HK has changed, these types of fishing villages are almost extinct. We wandered aimlessly through the little village and snapped our photos. I soon put away my camera though as I began to truly understand my surroundings. This was no tourist spot. These dilapidated shanties were people's homes and I felt it was an insult to these humble people by taking pictures.

While the rest of our group had gone in one direction, I choose the path less traveled - and got lost. I wound up in someone's house by accident (everything is wide open so its easy to do) and then got accosted by three dogs. Feral dogs and cats roamed freely in the village and this round-eye must have looked like a nice snack to my feline friends. Luckily a fisherman came out of nowhere to my rescue and the dogs fled. Eventually, I met up with Monica and took a quick peek at General Kwan's temple (which was closed) and then had a nice chat with an elderly Chinese man (called himself the Reverend) who spoke broken English.

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Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Isle ........................... Monica and her new friend ......................Tai O Fishing Village / Lantau Isle

Getting back on the tour bus (late) we all headed back to HK Isle. It was our intention to hit the Jumbo Floating Restaurant for dinner but this day (like the others) was exhausting. Instead we opted for a nice meal at Outback (yes, again) in Wan Chai. This was Brian & his wife’s final night in HK and despite some wacky service (think we had 5 different servers??) it was a relaxing way to end the day.

DAY FOUR

Thursday, Jan 28. Today we started out by visiting the HK library in Central. We felt pretty comfortable with the subway system and tram car by now and were less dependent on taxis. We arrived at the library at 11 but they opened up at noon. As we were on a schedule, this normally would have annoyed the crap out of me but now I began to understand Hong Kong. The simplest things, such as getting a note transcribed, ordering a cup of coffee, etc., all seemed to become complicated. Best just to learn how to smile, shrug it off and move forward.

Since the library was closed, we hopped onto the MTR for the offices of IFD. Just a few blocks from the MTR, we entered the Vigor Building - an industrial building in which we really looked like fish out of water. We took the lift to their "heavily fortified" office and was greeted by a woman who must have thought we were all crazy. Jesse eventually got a business card from the woman and we were off again. This time - to the world famous Victoria's Peak!

A trolley car ride, on a very steep incline, took us to the highest point in Hong Kong. At the top was the observatory, a few dozen Westernized shops & restaurants and a huge outdoor area that gave us some breathtaking views (even with the heavy clouds and fog). This was certainly a tourist trap though as we heard languages from all over the world - even some English!

After a few hours of sightseeing (Jesse and I) and shopping (Monica) we headed down the mount to our next destination - the 10,000 Buddhas Monastery in the New Territories. As fate would have it, while walking to the MTR from the Point, I spotted two monks who were happy (well, one was) to take some pix with us. Moving forward... we took the train to the NT and made our way to the monastery. A little rain had fallen and heavy humidity added to the brutal (yes brutal) ascent up the 400 steps. Along the way, Buddhas of all facial expressions lined both sides of the steps. We eventually got to the top and the three of us looked like Balboa the first time he climbed the museum steps in Rocky 1; soaked in sweat and short of breath. Atop the mount was the temple, a restaurant, a large pagoda, incense burning urns, and several workers constructing even more Buddhas. At last count, they had over 13,000! Think it might be time for a name change?

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View from Victoria's Peak ............................ 10,000 Buddhas Monastery. .................... Man them steps are a *bleep*

The place was near closing time and we were the only ones there - other than the workers. We left the temple down another series of steps which were more hazardous than the ones going up. Moisture made the stone steps slick and it was a formidable act to get down them; think Jesse wiped out once. Half way down the descent, Monica was joined by a monkey who came out of the jungle and started walking with her. He seemed friendly enough and I think it was Monica’s intention to pet the damn thing (or maybe try out his monkey fist) but the monkey had other ideas who made an abrupt motion at her letting her know to back off.

We finally got to the bottom and dragged our soaked selves back to the train. My feet had multiple blisters and were swollen. Day over (thank God!)

A side note on the stairs .... the steps in HK (all stairs not just the temple) are much different than what we are use to in the West. They are shorter (in height) and make it awkward to ascend/ descend. We couldn’t figure why our legs were hurting at first but then realized it was the damn steps. I think I tripped over a dozen times. I will continue tomorrow with the final installment....

[magicpoe]

Thoughts on Hong Kong

or

Why one lone security guard kept 5 Americans out of what was once South East Asia's largest film studio.

So to start this let me say if you ever decide to take a trip to Hong Kong, please resign yourself to the fact that you will most likely spend 15 to 17 hours getting there by plane. That is, of course, if you leave from the United States. If you've never been trapped in a plane for 15 and a half hours, like myself, then you can't appreciate the expression, "like a bird trapped in a cage." Up to that point I had been on 4 flight to Europe with the longest of those 4 being only 8 hours. After 10 hours of getting up and down I finally decided to remain standing for the rest of the flight.

Once we arrived and made our way through customs, which I should mention was the easiest experience with any countries customs officials I'd ever had, we found the MTR from Hong Kong airport to Hong Kong Island. MTR=subway. Clean and orderly transportation. No trash in the stations and no panhandlers asking for money. The panhandlers are conveniently located outside the MTR station. But they are the least pushy panhandlers I've every encountered. In contrast, in Paris once, I was ganged up on by two old drunk men looking for money. To disperse them, I threw a 10 Franc coin up in the air and ran for my life. But I'm straying from the point.

My wife and I had a day before the rest of the gang showed up in Hong Kong. We spent the day walking the streets. If you want to see how regular people make their way in a big city, just walk the streets and keep your eyes open. I saw two men reduce a large animal to component parts. I couldn't tell you what the animal once was but in little time they had it parted out. I guess when you have a big animal to butcher you need a big room to do it in, in their case they had 15 feet of a sidewalk. After that, we went to the Hong Kong Zoo/Botanical Garden.

Primates
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A flower, gripping isn't it.
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It was free and I saw the world biggest raccoons, at least 3 times larger than any raccoon I'd seen dead on the side of the road or in the woods. Wish I had a picture. After that we took a walk to the Hong Kong Park. Also free. Had a tea museum. I know that sounds dull, but it was really interesting. Called it day after that.

Teako170 and Monica arrived late Sunday night and we met them for breakfast Monday morning. After breakfast we met up with Mike Leeder. Mike has a wealth of information about Hong Kong cinema, past and present, and actually makes a living doing what many of us dream of, working in the Hong Kong film industry.

Mike Leeder
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He willingly offered his time to meet with us and we talked for an hour and half or so. Mike posts from time to time here on the forum and his user name is, oddly enough, Mike Leeder. He had many kind words to say about Linn as he and Linn had collaborated on ideas for extras on DVD releases, among other things.

Me and Mike
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We had hoped that he would be able to go with us to visit the burial site of Fu Sheng and Chang Cheh but unfortunately prior commitments kept him from doing so.

The wife, Mike, myself
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Part 2 tomorrow

[odioustrident]

I have to admit I've been checking this thread religiously for updates. This travelogue really is appreciated guys. Thanks.

[MarsHarmony]

Such great reading, it's really almost like being there, well, you know what I mean.
How exciting that Ti Lung had recently been to visit CC's site, and tale of the monkey walking with Monica, hope she got a picture of that!
Thank you Teako and Magicpoe!

[AlbertV]

This is awesome....I'm green with envy :) But who knows...hopefully I will head over there someday :)

[teako170]

Why one lone security guard kept 5 Americans out of what was once South East Asia's largest film studio

I still say we should have rushed him. Let the girls take him out and we head to Run Run's for his copy of Tiger Boy! :tongue:

and tale of the monkey walking with Monica, hope she got a picture of that!

Yes, I'll have to post a pic of that.

[Monica Haynes]

Don't let Teako lie to you all....he tripped about a dozen times PER DAY on steps.

The monkey was really cool and I had full intentions of petting him...until he bowed up at me!

I'm still working on getting the video I shot converted to disc so I can download/upload (whatever) for all to view.

Even though we patronized mostly western/american restaurants the food was still not the same as their refrigeration and meats are not the same. However, Starbucks, I am delighted to say, is the same and there seems to be one on every block.

MagicPoe-my monkey was way bigger!

[teako170]

Before I get to the travelogue, I wanted to post some additional pictures. While many were unable to make this trip, we kept the KFF spirit alive and left these pix at the sites of Fu Sheng (1) (http://www.teako170.com/fu1grave.jpg) (2) (http://www.teako170.com/fu2grave.jpg) and Chang Cheh (1) (http://www.teako170.com/cc1grave.jpg) (2) (http://www.teako170.com/cc2grave.jpg).

And, oh yes, the monkey! (http://www.teako170.com/hk40.jpg) Can’t forgot Monica’s new friend from the jungle. :tongue:

DAY FIVE

Friday, Jan 29. If you ever visit HK, make sure someone has a cell phone that works. Oddly, my phone received calls/texts but nothing outgoing and even more oddly, the Chinese never want to make a call for you. Several instances over the week, we had asked but they always responded with "You call." "But no one will understand English if I call," was my response. "Oh they understand English - no problem." Yeah riiiiiiiiiight!

Back to the library - which was open - but the wrong branch! Nope, we needed to go to the branch in Causeway Bay. Once we got there, we had to ask directions a half dozen times. Everyone just points but never does any sign language like how many blocks it is for instance. Anyway, we did arrive and luckily I had everything written in Chinese. We got set up in the archives section where I began my search of the South China Morning Press; July 7, 1983. Recognize the date? Yes, we found several English articles on Fu Sheng’s fatal car wreck. Some new information surrounding that week plus finally some hard journalism to refute/confirm various rumors about this incident.

Was Wong Yue really involved in the accident? Were Fu Sheng and Jenny separated at the time of the accident? And why wasn’t Fu Sheng driving you might wonder? Maybe it had something to do with a little court appearance he had earlier that day. I’ll post my findings in the Fu Sheng thread at later date. If we had the time I would have stayed there all afternoon browsing the SCMP archives but....

Click on pix for larger image
http://www.teako170.com/hk31a.jpg (http://www.teako170.com/hk31.jpg) http://www.teako170.com/hk33a.jpg (http://www.teako170.com/hk33.jpg) http://www.teako170.com/hk32a.jpg (http://www.teako170.com/hk32.jpg)
Researching @ the HK Library ..............................Bey Logan, his Sifu and Jesse ...................... Filming the kung fu masters

...We were running late and suppose to me up with Bey at the Star Ferry pier. I attempted to hail a taxi but none were stopping. I spotted one at a red light in a crowded intersection and jumped in but the cabbie freaked out. Apparently, one cannot flag taxis down like in NYC but must go to a taxi stand? I dunno but I got out, the light turned green and before I could get back to the curb the SOB floors it almost hitting me. In typical Nu Yawk style, I punched the top of the cab, he slams on the brakes and jumps out screaming at me in Cantonese. After firing back at him in English, I resolved to yelling at him using my Cantonese: "Bye-bye, Bye-bye, Bye-bye" as I mimicked it with my hand. (Hey, it was one of only three phrases I knew and I sure wasn’t going to say “I love you.”) Oh, yeah it was quite the scene man (haha). As Big Mike said, "Fighting with Red Cabs, a true HK sport unfortunately!" Anyhow, we eventually got another cab and laughed our asses off all the way to the pier.

Pier 7 - home of the Star Ferry. Bey and his Sifu practice here multiple times a week and both Jesse and Monica got to join in and learn some authentic gung fu. Bey’s sifu, Mak Che Kong, was extremely polite to us and gave us his business card. Oh, be sure to check out his website (http://www.hungkuenhk.com/index2.html) when you have a moment. Again, I want to thank Bey & his Sifu for allowing us to join in with his training. Afterward, we grabbed some lunch at the pier. The Burger Box serves some whopping burgers! I’m sure Tosh is probably squirming in his chair "... KFC..? Outback..? Burgers..? Duuuuuude! What about the dim sum?" Yup, while Brian and Jesse experimented a bit with the local fare, my tummy was sticking with stuff I knew I could hold down.

Click on pix for larger image
http://www.teako170.com/hk36a.jpg (http://www.teako170.com/hk36.jpg) http://www.teako170.com/hk34a.jpg (http://www.teako170.com/hk34.jpg) http://www.teako170.com/hk35a.jpg (http://www.teako170.com/hk35.jpg)
41 Cumberland Road Kowloon, HK......................... Teako, Monica, Jesse @ 41 ...................... Bruce Lee’s former home RIP

Back to the MTR we went. We were running out of daylight and scrambling. We had to forgo visiting the HK Film Archives, Betty Ting’s apt where Bruce Lee had died, Jackie Chan’s offices and I failed to call back Big Mike (sorry mate). We did take a quick trip to 41 Cumberland Road though. Hard to believe Bruce Lee’s house was turned into a love motel as the surrounding neighborhood was far from shabby. There were upscale homes behind privacy walls, schools, and temples. We didn’t go inside Bruce’s home so we have no idea where they currently stand on converting it into a museum but there definitely wasn’t any construction activity going on from what we could see.

Hopping onto the MTR, we got off in Kowloon at the waterfront. The Avenue of the Stars gave us phenomenal views of HK Island as we walked the congested tourist spot. We snapped many a photo of all the stars: Ti Lung, LKL, David Chiang, Ivy, Bruce, King Hu, Jackie, etc... A woman approached Monica and Jesse as they were taking a picture of Run Run’s star and asked if we had any idea on who Run Run was. Apparently, we were much too young to know any of these people (ha!) She was rather astonished as they schooled her with their knowledge of the Shaws. While there, we also got our photos taken with the famous Bruce statue which was quite impressive with the waterfront/ cityscape backdrop. It was our intention to hop the Star Ferry and cross back over to HK Isle but we opted for a cab ride. Again, my feet were shot from walking.

Click on pix for larger image
http://www.teako170.com/hk38a.jpg (http://www.teako170.com/hk38.jpg) http://www.teako170.com/hk37a.jpg (http://www.teako170.com/hk37.jpg) http://www.teako170.com/hk39a.jpg (http://www.teako170.com/hk39.jpg)
Jesse on the Ave of the Stars ....................... Chillin w/ Bruce's star.............. Bruce’s statue - what an impressive site!

DAY SIX

Saturday, Jan 30.

Bey had left a message that we would finally get our chance to meet Lau Gar Fai. YES! Lunch with the Master Killer himself. Only one problem. He could met us at 12:30 but at that hour we would be several miles up flying somewhere over Northern China on our way home. (....ughhhhhhhhhhhhh!)

And that’s how things go in Hong Kong. You got to roll with the punches and take everything in stride because, as I said, its not a vacation but an adventure!

http://www.teako170.com/gordondvd.jpg
Photo by Bey. All rights reserved. No Shaolin monks were harmed in the posting of this picture.

Be sure to check out Bey's Blog (http://www.alivenotdead.com/beylogan#return-xspace-entry900781) on our adventures as well.

Final thoughts.....

Considering we had never been to Hong Kong, I’m very pleased with the amount of activities we squeezed in. Sometimes it was a rush and sometimes we hit a brick wall, but in the end, I feel this adventure was a huge success. When I first started researching this trip 17 months ago, I had little to zero information on the sites of Fu Sheng and Chang Cheh but through persistence, I was able to acquire their locations and track them down. Now we're able to make this data available to fans all over the globe. So please, if in HK, do stop by and pay them a visit. I’m sure they would appreciate knowing their fans hold them in such high regards even after they have parted this world.

If I learned one thing from Hong Kong, it’s you can never do enough planning. I had an itinerary and stack of papers (maps/web info/etc.) in my bag that I took everywhere and yet, sometimes, it still wasn’t enough. We had to learn through error and make adjustments as we went along. So whatever you do, if you go to HK, be well prepared.

Granted this trip was costly and its hard to take such a journey (especially in this economy) so its quite understandable that only a few brave souls could make it. While there’s no plans for a return to HK, it would be great to see someone else step up and spearhead the next HK adventure. The whole purpose of such gatherings is for people to leave the net and interact in person. Seeing something on TV is one thing but nothing like experiencing it in real life. Same goes for the fu. Talking on-line is fun but mixing it up with people live is a whole other story.

I want to thank Monica, Brian & wife, Jesse, Bey and Big Mike for making this trip one of the most memorable I’ve experienced.

Hopefully, we can have the next meet up somewhere stateside; where the price tag won’t be so hefty. I personally don’t have anything on the immediate horizon however I am thinking of a more tropical destination, the Caribbean, in the not-so distant future. Not your typical get-to-gether for talking the fu but I got something in the mix that I hope a few old friends (and some new ones) can join in.

Best, T

[Jesse Smooth]

I did have one "authentic" meal...sweet and sour pork with white rice. Not too bad and not too exotic. Magicpoe, when you went to the dim sum place, did you have your own table or were you seated with others who were currently eating?

[Mike Leeder]

Was a pleasure meeting you guys

Sorry i couldnt spend more time with you, would have loved to but been in the middle of a mad shoot, off today then back into it for the next week

Cheers

[MarsHarmony]

So fantastic, what a great piece of writing Teako! :yociexp67:
Seeing the photo's with the beautiful words that you left, really did make me cry, they were very moving, as has been sharing the experience through your words. I look forward to reading your findings about the accident, (can't believe you found something, bravo) and may I also add, my sincere appreciation for all the hard work you put into the trip - research, locations and tracking down the story from that day.
The photo of Monica with the monkey..... priceless.
:khi9l:

[Tosh]

:xd:You beat me to the outback comment Teako, I told you to start practicing that Iron Stomach Kung Fu before you went.

I had the same problem with the cabbies in Shanghai, even with someone that spoke Mandarin and Cantonese!

Great pics, can't wait to see the rest of them.

[KUNG FU BOB]

Thanks to all of you for sharing this journey with us. I have read everything twice! You could have just said "Hey it was great", but instead you all went that extra mile (blistered feet and all) to give us an in-depth look at the experience. I do feel a bit like you took me on the journey after the fact.

Monica, your leaving the ashes and picture of Linn at the Shaw studios was extremely moving, and I think it was quite a beautiful gesture. I'm glad you went on this journey and it was great to see you smiling and making (tenative) friendships with the wild life!:wink:

Jesse, I absolutely love the pictures of you practicing with Bey and his Sifu, and your accounts of the details of the visit. Way to go!

MagicPoe, your photos, videos, and info is fantastic, and I hope we get to see more.

Teako, thanks for all your hard work, putting this together, your organizing, your incredible written reports of the adventure, and for being a part of making yours and other great people's dream come true (and then sharing it!). Totally cool. I roared with laughter at some of your exploits- jumping turnstyles, fighting with cabbies- so funny. As they say- you can take the man out of New York City, but you can never take the New York City out of the man!:xd:

I hope there are still more pics, videos, and annecdotes to come.

[BORNINHK]

The pictures looked nice to me. So you guys must have had a wonderful meeting.
I wish I was there too!!
I was wondering how many forum meetings have been held in HK and also in London(?)
before? Normally I go back to my place of birth in October because of the Chung Yeung festival. Paying offers/respects to my late ancestors at their graves. I'm original from a single-surname-lineage-village in New Territories where the Chung Yeung festival means a lot to the villagers. Many fellow villagers will return from overseas for that festival as well.

[magicpoe]

Thoughts on Hong Kong

or

Why one lone security guard kept 5 Americans out of what was once South East Asia's largest film studio.

After our meeting with Mike Leeder we boarded the MTR train in search of the burial site of Fu Sheng. Let me start out by saying that teako170 did an outstanding job researching exactly where we needed to go to find the Fu Sheng and Chang Cheh sites. Without his research and planning I think we would have been out of luck all around. I should have told him that face to face when we were in Hong Kong. Thanks for your hard work.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/magicpoe/Hong%20Kong/IMG_0222.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/magicpoe/Hong%20Kong/IMG_0221.jpg
Looks very much like any subway line doesn't it

Teako170 decided to have fun and shock a few people by jumping back over a turnstile at the MTR station. Apparently they had never seen this before and they looked at us like we were from Mars. Good times. Once that was all sorted though we were on our way. You can check out teako170's post for the specifics on exactly where to get off and the address of the Fung Ying Seen Koon Temple but if you get off at Fanling your practically at the main gate of the Temple. The ducks with the heads, man if we had more time and I had been more hungry........ I settled for a noodle dish with duck. After our meal we headed for the temple.

Let me start out by saying that, for me, visiting Fu Sheng's burial place was probably 80% of the reason I decided to make this trip to Hong Kong. The other 20% being seeing Chang Cheh's place and just to take a trip period. As you enter the gate there are two sets of staircases to climb to get to the temple where one can offer incense and what have you.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/magicpoe/Hong%20Kong/IMG_0220.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/magicpoe/Hong%20Kong/IMG_0209.jpg

Behind the temple are the buildings you see in the video with the rooms that hold the remains. My assumption is after the body is cremated the ashes are put into a large red envelope and then into the small shelves with the photos on the outside. There were many shelves with envelopes but no photos yet to close up the opening. If I am incorrect in this assumption, please let me know.

Me and my wife
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/magicpoe/Hong%20Kong/IMG_0215.jpg

What makes this so different from cemetaries in the US is that, instead of just a name and birth/death dates, you have a photo of the person who has died along with the relevant personal information. Much more personal experience in that you fully realise that these were once walking/talking humans and here's what they looked like. You can't just dismiss it like a regular cemetary here in the US with plain headstones with names and birth/death dates on them. I found myself walking around looking at these faces, many old, but some quite young. Fu Sheng will always be that young smiling face that we see in the photo and in the movies he made.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/magicpoe/Hong%20Kong/IMG_0212.jpg

Teako170 printed 2 nice photos that he left. One of the ladies who maintains the grounds looked at the photos and I pointed out that the man in the photo was the person in the photo on the wall. She asked, in very broken English, if we came just to visit the site for him. I explained in very simple words yes we did. She smiled and went back to her work. The wedding picture was the one she seemed to look at the longest.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/magicpoe/Hong%20Kong/IMG_0213.jpg

As we were leaving, teako170 and myself took this photo by the incense pot.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v241/magicpoe/Hong%20Kong/IMG_0218.jpg


Here is the edited video of our walk through at the temple.
Pk4sBkghKYY

More soon

[KUNG FU BOB]

[QUOTE=BORNINHK;114615]
I was wondering how many forum meetings have been held in HK and also in London(?)
before? QUOTE]

That was the first time forum members ever got together in HK. I don't know of any such get togethers in London. But I've got a bunch of friends in the UK who are fu fanatics, so you never know!

[Jesse Smooth]

Here's the first video of me training with Bey Logan. Note: ignore how off I am as I had no idea what I was doing.

FN7f1buiApw

[KUNG FU BOB]

Thanks for that post MagicPoe! Beautiful.

Jesse, I really admire your gung ho attitude, and the fact that you joined right in. A lot of people that haven't tried this themselves, may not realize what a great job you did in keeping up on your first try. I was impressed. There were times when you stayed very close to the forms. Amazing knowing that you were going in cold!:bigsmile: Thanks so much for sharing that. Those guys were very cool to let you join in on the experience. Has it made you ponder doing some training now?

[Jesse Smooth]

Thanks for that post MagicPoe! Beautiful.

Jesse, I really admire your gung ho attitude, and the fact that you joined right in. A lot of people that haven't tried this themselves, may not realize what a great job you did in keeping up on your first try. I was impressed. There were times when you stayed very close to the forms. Amazing knowing that you were going in cold!:bigsmile: Thanks so much for sharing that. Those guys were very cool to let you join in on the experience. Has it made you ponder doing some training now?

Bob, thanks for the kind words. It was awesome for Bey to invite me to train with them.

I did mention to him that when I have the time, I would like to study kung fu or tai chi. There is a wing chun school near me (on my way to my job). But as far as good kung fu, as I'm sure you know, you have to find it, as these days there's a lot of bad kung fu (and martial arts) instruction. :squigglemouth:

[magicpoe]

Find a good school you can trust and have fun man.

[teako170]

..or you can move over to HK and train with Mak Che Kong.
Looks like his lineage is somewhat similar to LKL's.

You know you're getting the real deal when it comes to him. :bigsmile:
Nice video.....

[Monica Haynes]

Jesse that video is awesome! I am so glad it turned out so well.

Guys...Jesse did a total of 3 workouts...and they are brutal on the legs. I did one and was starting to break a sweat but my thighs were feeling it and beginning to shake.

Jesse did great!

Magicpoe & Teako great pics and I love reading it. It helps me get it back in my mind everything we did!

[Tosh]

Those horse stances are a great workout on the legs, something you can easily do at home while watching a KF movie.

Yeah you looked good out there Jesse, it must of been awesome to sit in with a real Kung Fu master.

[jrcma]

Those horse stances are a great workout on the legs, something you can easily do at home while watching a KF movie.


thats ture easy to do doesn't need much room either, I would even recommend it for non-Martial Artist.

[Jesse Smooth]

Those horse stances are a great workout on the legs, something you can easily do at home while watching a KF movie.

Yeah you looked good out there Jesse, it must of been awesome to sit in with a real Kung Fu master.

Thanks, Tosh, Monica and the rest of you guys. It was awesome. Sifu Mak is the real deal. I'll tell you this, if you practice hard (2 hours daily) and eat right, there won't be any need for weightlifting. I can guarantee that to you. Five-six minutes and you'll be sweating bullets. :xd:

[dionbrother]

If I get to Hong Kong anytime soon, I hope I have at least half as much fun.

[Jesse Smooth]

If I get to Hong Kong anytime soon, I hope I have at least half as much fun.

Its an experience to never be forgotten.

[thekfc]

I didn't get to join you guys on that trip but I did get to make it to HK (for a few days) courtesy of my new gf.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e213/thekfc/DSCF1307.jpg

[thekfc]

Me, waiting for instructions :xd:

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e213/thekfc/DSCF1350-1.jpg

[teako170]

I didn't get to join you guys on that trip but I did get to make it to HK (for a few days) courtesy of my new gf.

Good to see you made it over. Hope you had a great time. I see the sun still hasn't come out yet (haha).

Hey, what time of the day were you at Bruce's statue? It was packed when we were there. Looking forward to more pix...

[thekfc]

Good to see you made it over. Hope you had a great time. I see the sun still hasn't come out yet (haha).

Hey, what time of the day were you at Bruce's statue? It was packed when we were there. Looking forward to more pix... I was there just before 7am. A friend told me to go early to avoid the crowd.

[MarsHarmony]

The early bird got the great pics with the Bruce Lee statue, super shots thkfc!

[AlbertV]

This is just amazing to see! I'm so glad everyone involved had a blast there :) Now I am truly looking forward to heading there....definitely on my 5-year goal list :)

[skipsweet]

thanks for sharing your great pictures & videos with us.

...nice to see Big Mike & Bey 'The Beast' Logan giving their time once again to Hong Kong cinema fans.

[Morgoth Bauglir]

Wow this thread took me a long time to read. Thanks for posting the photos and stories. Looks like you had a great time. I wish very much that I could have come.

[Tosh]

Geez guys I was hoping you'd bring me back a hot little kung fu girl:tongue:

Thanks for thinking of me over there:wink: put it beside the Kung Fu Frog.

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g112/ChiSawGang/hkfrog.jpg

[Jesse Smooth]

Work has been keeping me busy but I'll post some of my pics in the next few days...

But we shall start off with this...

http://i1018.photobucket.com/albums/af304/JesseSmooth/VIGOR2.jpg

This is a far cry from Shaw Studion.

[teako170]

This is a far cry from Shaw Studion.
That's an understatement - haha! :tongue:

Ol' Jess was giddy as a kid on Christmas morn that day. Fun times....

[niro]

Whoa...now that is what a trip to HK should be like...packed with lots of stuff to and see...looks like you guys had a great time

[MarsHarmony]

Again, thank you for posting the great photo's and accounts of your trip, it was almost like being there.:khi1i:

[teako170]

A few more pix from the vault....

http://www.teako170.com/hk100.jpg
Ave of the Stars, Kowloon

http://www.teako170.com/hk200.jpg
Pier 7 ferry .. Celestial?? (booo hiss booo)

http://www.teako170.com/hk300.jpg
Pops @ the Ave of Stars

http://www.teako170.com/hk400.jpg
The House of Lee

http://www.teako170.com/hk500.jpg
The gang chillin' out at the Outback

http://www.teako170.com/hk600.jpg
Chiba up? Nah... Buddha up beyotch.

http://www.teako170.com/hk700.jpg
KFF meets the Beymeister

http://www.teako170.com/hk800.jpg
Tai Po Monastery from the Big Buddha

http://www.teako170.com/hk900.jpg
Monica's monkey! New Territories (thanks to Jesse for this one)

http://www.teako170.com/hk1000.jpg
Magicpoe: "Are we allowed to have open containers on the tram?"
Teako: "Of course we are. We're on vacation."

[KUNG FU BOB]

Wow, love the photos!

Bey looks like a priest. :wink:

Teako, the one with you and Pop's star is awesome! But what's up with "Chiba up? Nah... Buddha up beyotch."? You tryin' to diss the Chibaman? LOL :xd:

The tram one's great too. So you go to HK and your jumping turnstyles and getting bombed on public trans? Hahaha! Crazy American tourists! :tongue:

[nectarsis]

I just caught up with this thread. Lookslike you guys had a blast lol. Def some things added to my "to do list" for my next trip over. Thecool thing is after going there, you're much better prepearedfor everything. Though I stay in hostels, and eat much more "local" food I adapted to everything very quickly lol.

[MarsHarmony]

Love the photo's, crazy American's, love the one with Lau Kar Leung's star. diez puntos!
I would like to spearhead a committee, because there is a serious omission from the Avenue of the Stars (If I knew who to start bugging in Hong Kong!) Fu Sheng deserves a spot there.

[teako170]

But what's up with "Chiba up? Nah... Buddha up beyotch."? You tryin' to diss the Chibaman? LOL :xd:

Bob - I'll see your Chiba and raise you one Buddha.

I would like to spearhead a committee, because there is a serious omission from the Avenue of the Stars (If I knew who to start bugging in Hong Kong!) Fu Sheng deserves a spot there.

Yeah, it was strange. Both Jesse & Monica looked for him but didn't find him sadly.

[Jesse Smooth]

Bob - I'll see your Chiba and raise you one Buddha.



Yeah, it was strange. Both Jesse & Monica looked for him but didn't find him sadly.

BTW, there's no Chang Cheh...there is a Chang Chen, bit it's easy to get thrown off by it.

[teako170]

BTW, there's no Chang Cheh...there is a Chang Chen, bit it's easy to get thrown off by it.

Forgot about that. You took a pic of that star didn't you?
Wonder who Chang Chen is? Had to be a typo I'm thinking...

[Jesse Smooth]

Forgot about that. You took a pic of that star didn't you?
Wonder who Chang Chen is? Had to be a typo I'm thinking...

Yeah, I'll post that soon. I can check the characters.


It is a typo. I did check it. I'll post it in a sec.

[Jesse Smooth]

This is Chang Cheh...there's a typo.

http://i1018.photobucket.com/albums/af304/JesseSmooth/Hong%20Kong/ChangChen.jpg

[Jesse Smooth]

Me chillin' with Sammo...

http://i1018.photobucket.com/albums/af304/JesseSmooth/Hong%20Kong/Sammo.jpg

[teako170]

Yeah, I'll post that soon. I can check the characters.
'
This is Chang Cheh...there's a typo.

Nice catch J! Didn't even think of comparing the characters.

That sucks they misspelled the English letters.
Plus its too bad they don't have any hand prints (like Bruce's star).

Oh well, at least he is there....

[thekfc]

Thanks Teako for linking this thread (from the Fu Sheng thread) and having me (us) revisit it. I just finish looking at some of the pics I took and will post a few after I resize.

Me & the wife are planning a trip, 2 - 3 years from now and plan to visit the sites that I didn't get a chance to go to (I visited HK 4 last year - 1 was a few days visit & other 3 were a few hours stopover which was mainly for food, shopping, etc,).

[thekfc]

As you can see the place was empty when I was there:

[thekfc]

HK at night - I stayed close to the area.

[thekfc]

Bruce Lee.

[thekfc]

The clock tower & surrounding area.

[thekfc]

A displayed signed poster of Jackie at the Avenue.

[Alexandra]

More pictures please! :yociexp28:

[18JadeArafats]

Thanks for posting the pics. I was there myself over the summer on the way to Vietnam. I'll have to look see if we got any post worthy pictures.

Did you notice a lot of action movie style billboards featuring surprisingly unaction looking (but still glammed up, attractive) "stars". My Mandarin reading domesticated partner explained to me that those were actually ads from educational (like Kaplan test prep here) services. Those action stars are tutors! Blows my mind. :tongue:

[thekfc]

From the Walk.

[thekfc]

This is a cemetery - I am not sure of the name.

[thekfc]

Scenic view from the airport express.

[thekfc]

A short history on the cinema posted at the walk.

[teako170]

Thanks for the additional pix, thekfc. Hard to believe its been nearly two years since our trip.
I had forgotten some details until re-reading some of the posts. What a great time we all had.

The other month, I was watching Murderer Pursues (1981) (not a great film but Wong Ching was very good) and they had shot a scene at Statue Square - which looked very familiar. I had to rewind a few times until I realized we had been there but at the opposite end. If I had seen the film prior, I would have sought out the exact spot and got some photos. Oh well, maybe next time....